Jesse Jackson Jr. Should Come Clean

In a scathing commentary at BlackAmericaWeb, Michael Cottman writes that following U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s extended absence from office and with an investigation looming, he owes his constituents something he hasn't offered them lately: honesty.

In a scathing commentary at BlackAmericaWeb, Michael Cottman writes that following U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.'s extended absence from office and with an investigation looming, he owes his constituents something he hasn't offered them lately: honesty.

Speculation over Jackson’s health, the investigation involving alleged campaign finance misconduct and his whereabouts has reached a fever pitch in Chicago and even Jackson’s most steadfast admirers are demanding that the clandestine congressman explain his mysterious five-month absence from Capitol Hill.

With his political career spiraling out of control, Jackson, 47, skipped his session in Congress this week and many of his colleagues say they never expect to see Jackson serving as a congressman on Capitol Hill again.

And there is also deep-rooted anger.

"To slap us in the face now, you just lied to us," Chicago Alderwoman Carrie Austin told reporters Thursday. "You just lied to us. I feel so betrayed."

Austin's fury toward Jackson comes as a Fox television affiliate in Chicago reported that Jackson is willing to give up his congressional seat if he also receives a disability package when he steps down. The disability allocation might be his only source of income, according to the report.

There’s no doubt that Jackson’s career as a U.S. congressman is coming to an unceremonious end soon but regardless of how this saga concludes, Jackson should speak candidly to the thousands of black voters who have supported him tirelessly through the years.

Jackson's black constituents have been extremely patient and they have lots of legitimate questions.

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